UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Following a T20I series draw, Pakistan (PAK) and New Zealand (NZ) are set to lock horns in a five-match ODI series. The first ODI will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, April 27. Pakistan are heavy favourites to win the match at 1/3 (1.33). New Zealand, on the other hand, have a steeper task with the odds of 3/1 (4.00).
These odds from Ladbrokes were correct at the time of writing.
- Pakistan vs New Zealand (PAK vs NZ), 1st ODI
- April 27, 2023 – 10:30 AM GMT
- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Contents
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has been an outstanding venue for batters in T20 cricket in recent times. Expect it to be the case in ODIs as well. However, bowlers could get enough assistance as the match progresses due to the abrasive nature of pitches.
Rawalpindi is likely to witness partly cloudy weather on Thursday afternoon and evening. There’s a less than 20% chance of precipitation so it shouldn’t be a big concern.
PAK vs NZ – 1st ODI Match Predictions
Pakistan have a considerably stronger bowling attack compared to the Black Caps. Their batting unit is also pretty solid for the subcontinent conditions. New Zealand are without their top players and the gulf in quality gets bigger in longer formats.
Prediction 1
New Zealand to hit most sixes
5/4 (2.25)
BET HERE >
Odds from
Prediction 2
Naseem to be Pakistan's Top Bowler
3/1 (4.00)
BET HERE >
Odds from
Probable 6s
Pakistan’s batting unit of Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, is mainly packed with traditional strokemakers. NZ have Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman and Tom Latham.
Our prediction: New Zealand to hit most sixes in the match at 5/4 (2.25).
Probable Wickets
Naseem Shah has picked 18 wickets from just five ODI matches at an average of 12.55. You can back Naseem to be the top bowler for Pakistan at 3/1 (4.00). Matt Henry, who picked six wickets from three T20Is, has a superb record in ODI cricket. Henry is a good bet to be New Zealand’s top bowler at 4/1 (5.00).
Our prediction: Naseem Shah to be Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker at 3/1 (4.00).
Man of the Match
Babar Azam averages 73 in his last 10 ODI innings. Overall he has 4813 runs at an average of 59. Back Babar to be the player of the match at 13/2 (7.50). Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Tom Latham and Mark Chapman are some of the other good betting options.
Our prediction: Babar Azam to be the Man of the Match at 13/2 (7.50).
PAK vs NZ Preview
Pakistan and New Zealand will be looking to give their players as much game-time as possible with the world cup coming up. Here’s a look at two teams ahead of the first ODI on Thursday.
Pakistan
Pakistan had lost by 2-1 to a full-strength NZ side earlier this year. They won the first ODI before losing the next two. They will be hoping to get their act together as the ODI world cup approaches fast.
Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan missed the last ODI series but are back for this one. The bowling attack is likely to comprise these two alongside Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Nawaz.
Predicted XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Haris Sohail, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
New Zealand
New Zealand have a few players from their ODI regular side here and the series provides a good opportunity for them to get experience on these pitches.
Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman comprise the middle. Matt Henry, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Rachin Ravindra and Adam Milne could form the bowling attack.
Predicted XI: Chad Bowes, Will Young, Tom Blundell (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c), Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Henry Shipley
How to Watch PAK vs NZ in the UK: Live Streaming & Channel List
Fans in the UK can watch the ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event. You can stream the matches online on the SkyGo application.
- Sky Sports Cricket/Sky Sports Main Event (TV)
- SkyGo app (Streaming)
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
